Zinc and Copper: Balancing Brain Chemistry

​In this lecture, Functional & Metabolic Psychiatry expert Dr. James Greenblatt will explore the biological roles of zinc and copper and how those roles influence neurotransmission and brain function. Further, he will discuss the implications of research demonstrating powerful associations between zinc deficiency, depression, ADHD, and Anorexia Nervosa, and how zinc supplementation can provide significant therapeutic benefits to patients with these and other ailments.

​Common environmental and biological contributors to zinc deficiency will be reviewed, with a focus on copper excess and the mechanisms through which high copper leads to neurotoxic dopamine accumulation. Strategies for objective copper and zinc assessment – with an emphasis on Trace Mineral Hair Analysis – will be presented, along with evidence-based recommendations for supplementation to achieve a proper zinc:copper balance.

​By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

• ​List three or more of the biological roles of zinc as pertain to mental health

• ​Identify three or more common causes of zinc deficiency

• ​Explain how low zinc can adversely impact digestion

• ​List three or more behavioral indicators of high copper

• ​Explain how elevations in copper cause neurotoxic accumulations of dopamine

• ​Understand how zinc supplementation can support patients with depression, ADHD, Anorexia, or agitation/irritability

• ​Elucidate the clinical utility of Trace Mineral Hair Analysis in the assessment of patients with mental illness